Sunshine and Shadow - A Darklina Fanfic

Caught

Alina's POV:

We arrived back at where Ivan and Fedyor dropped us off, at the edge of the Fold. 

"Are we ahead of schedule?" Fedyor asked, and Aleksander nodded.

"We're allied with the Fjerdans now, and we're expecting them to give us their Grisha and end the drüskelle." Aleksander said, "We're dealing with the Apparat now." 

Fedyor nodded and opened the door to the coach, and I realized there were more Grisha here now.

Some pointed at us, and all of them were staring.

I recognized some of the Grisha, but the others I didn't recognize were younger.

Almost all of them were murmuring to each other.

It's the King and Queen-

They've come to save us from the awful Fjerdans and Shu!

They're far better rulers than the Lantsovs!

I'm so glad King Kirigan is getting married to Alina Starkov! I'd feel so much better with her on the throne!

Queen Alina Starkov! She'll show us mercy in times when the King won't.

Sun Queen. Sankt Alina.

"Alina." Aleksander said, extending his hand out to help me in the coach.

"Are those people your Grisha?" I ask, taking his hand.

Ivan closes the door, leaving us alone.

"Yes. They will be a part of our army when we face the Apparat's followers and the traitors."

"Wait, so you're going to use your Grisha to kill a bunch of innocent people just because they have faith?" I say, frowning at Aleksander.

"No. They are there for the traitors. You are deciding what to do with the pilgrims, but if what you choose to do is irrational, I will decide for you." Aleksander says.

"How many Grisha are there?" I ask.

"About one-fourth of my entire Grisha army." He says, and my chest fills with fear. 

One-fourth!? There are so many Grisha here!

"W-What are you planning on doing with- with the traitors?" I ask nervously, and Aleksander smirks. 

"What do you think Alina? Punish them." He says with an evil glint, but his face softens a bit when he sees my expression. "But I will have mercy... because of you. They won't die...yet."

"How do you even expect to get there? You completely avoided going to those tents or the tunnels- do you even have a lead?" I say

"Of course I do! I've been researching for the months we were apart, and I know exactly how to lure them out." Aleksander says, and I have a feeling of dread settle in my stomach.

"You're going to use me. As bait." I say slowly, reading Aleksander's expression.

Alright. If he wants to use me as bait for his plan, I'll make sure it backfires. I'll get my allies and the Apparat's followers to attack against the Darkling, and finally escape. This is what should've happened last time.

"You're very clever, Alina. That's always been something I've admired about you." Aleksander says softly.

"Nope. I'm not getting all sentimental with you right now." I say as I turn away to look out the window.

In the reflection, I see Aleksander cross his arms. "You're going to have to be in front of Ravka. You are my queen."

"This was supposed to be a political marriage! So you would let my friends go free!" I say angrily, still not looking at him.